e corner, just before turning up the street that led away from the
railway station Dick turned to see if others than his chums were coming
along. But Dick & Co. proved to be the only ones who had left the scene.

There were others who wanted to go with Dick Prescott, but they didn't
care to risk being taunted with being "babies." So they stood by Ben,
though nervously.

"Do you s'pose we'll get in jail?" whispered one of Ben's followers
nervously.

"Humph! You'd better run along with the babies," jeered Ben Alvord. "I
guess it's time that some of you were in your cradles, anyway."

"Shut up! We're standing by you, aren't we?" Wrecker Lane demanded.

"Are you ready, then?" inquired Ben, glancing around at those who had
stayed with him.

"Yes," replied Toby.

"Now, take good aim!" warned Ben, in a conspirator's tone. "Remember, we
can't wait, this time, for any repeat shots. All you fellows ready?"

"Yes," came the response.

"When I say 'three,' then," ordered Ben. "All ready! One, two, three!"

Through the air whizzed a volley of stones.

Crash! Both the red and the green lights went out, the glass flying in
splinters.

Guessing what had happened, Operator Green dashed out hotfoot in
pursuit.

CHAPTER XIX

BEN WANTS TO KNOW WHO "BLABBED"

"Cheese it! Scoot!" sounded the unnecessary warning.

A crowd of boys, engaged in mischief, doesn't have to wait to be
instructed in the art of vanishing.

By the time that Mr. Green, swift though he was, got out into the open,
Ben and the other stone-throwers had scattered in as many different
directions as there were boys in the party.

For a moment Night Operator Green halted, baffled, for every one of the
fugitives had found safe cover.

"They've run down to the street, and are making off," decided the night
operator, with bad judgment. "I'll catch some of them yet."

Whereupon he sprinted down to the corner and turned up the street. True
enough he beheld a clump of boys, but they were gathered around one of
their number and talking earnestly.

"Stop, you young heathen! Stay right where you are, if you know what's
good for you!" yelled the angered operator.

None of the six boys moved more than was necessary in order for them to
get a view of the charging operator.

"Now, I've got you;" roared Mr. Green swooping down upon Dick & Co.

"Well, Mr Green?" inquired Dick unafraid, as he had a right to be.

"I want all your names!" growled the opera